Delimitation Exercise in India
The issue of delimitation has been brought into the spotlight by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who has called for an all-party meeting on March 5 to discuss this crucial exercise. Delimitation refers to the redrawing of boundaries of various legislative constituencies based on the latest Census to reflect changes in population.
Historical Context
- The legislative seats have remained unchanged since 1973, with the process being frozen based on the 1971 Census.
- The freeze was designed to ensure parity in population growth across different States, preventing States with higher population growth from gaining more representatives at the expense of those with lower growth and better health indices.
84th Constitutional Amendment
- The amendment stipulated that any future delimitation would be based on the first Census conducted after 2026.
Current Concerns
- There are questions about whether the Union government is delaying the Census to facilitate an earlier delimitation.
- The exercise is expected to occur after the 2031 Census but could take place sooner if the 2021 Census is conducted.
Impact on States
- States like Tamil Nadu are concerned that a delimitation based solely on population might reduce their Parliamentary representation.
- For instance, comparing the growth in Tamil Nadu's electorate (171%) to undivided Bihar's (233%) since 1971 shows a potential disadvantage for Tamil Nadu in terms of representation.
- States with reduced fertility rates, such as Kerala and Karnataka, may also be adversely affected.
Statements and Implications
- Amit Shah, the Home Minister, has stated that Southern States will receive their "rightful share" of representation.
- There is uncertainty about whether Southern States' proportion of representation will be maintained after delimitation.
Federalism and Representation
- The significant population increase since 1973 suggests that more seats should be allocated, especially in populous northern States.
- Maintaining federal balance is essential to preserve the balance of power among States.
Conclusion
The government is urged to expedite the Census to address concerns about its delay potentially serving the purpose of an earlier delimitation. As India aims to enhance its global standing, it cannot afford delays in fundamental exercises like population counting.